Ola launches new tech features to simplify cab booking

The two features include Just in Time and Rich NotificationsETtech | October 26, 2016, 15:37 IST

Drivers calling from their Ola device will not be able to see the customer's mobile number but will automatically be routed through the encrypted number.With the intent to enhance the user experience, Ola has today announced the launch of two new tech features. The two features include Just in Time and Rich Notifications.

The ‘Just in Time’ feature sends real-time smart notifications to users, at the instant when a cab becomes available or when peak pricing for a particular category ends. Ola has also rolled out ‘Rich Notifications’ on its app, which help users track their booked ride through real-time push notifications.

To elaborate further, the just in time featureanalyses user’s cab preference and in case of non-availability of cabs, a push notification is sent on cab availability as soon as a cab gets available. Additionally, the feature informs users about peak pricing coming to end within 15 minutes of the user moving away from the booking confirmation screen on experiencing peak pricing.

On the other hand, ‘Rich Notifications’ feature helps users track their booked ride through real-time push notifications. Immediately after a customer books a cab, he/she will receive a push notification, with the driver photo, contact details along with car model and number.

The notification window will be constantly updated with driver’s ETA and customer’s boarding status. Also, once the user boards the cab, Ola’s Emergency SOS button is also displayed as part of the notification. The SOS feature sends an alert to the verified emergency contact with the customer’s CRN, user details (name, email id and contact number), location where the alert was raised, cab and driver details.

Ankit Bhati, Co-Founder and CTO, Ola, said, “Ola has always focused on ensuring adequate supply to match growing demand, but there are occasions when demand completely outstrips supply. These features work on predictive analysis of data to provide smart real-time push notifications to its customers.”

He further added, “An average Indian customer stores up to 32 apps, and spends over 169 minutes on their device, every day. It can sometimes get overwhelming to manage and shuffle between multiple apps on the phone at the same time.”